Coon Rapids sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Rum Rivers, with an elevation of around 860 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F, ideal for water activities. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October due to Minnesota's cold winters.
What to do
River tubing at Country Camping: The Rum River offers sandy-bottomed water recreation opportunities. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus... Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes David G. about Country Camping Tent & RV Park.
Mini golf and games: Several campgrounds feature recreational activities beyond swimming. "It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop. They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade," says S L. about St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park.
Biking trails: The region offers extensive paved trail systems connecting parks and natural areas. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," shares ERolf P. about Baker Park Reserve.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many Coon Rapids area rv parks feature generous site dimensions. "This campground has everything... Sites are 60+ feet, concrete and level. Each site has their own fire pit," writes James and Susan K. about Dakotah Meadows RV Park.
Resort-style amenities: Several campgrounds offer pool complexes and additional recreational facilities. "We've stayed at Country Camping for years! Great variety of things to do for everyone. Group sites, tent sites, covered wagon sites! Floating on the Rum River, swimming pool with splash pad, little camp store, Golf cart rentals!" says Carol H.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and shower buildings. "Clean bathrooms with hot water, clean laundry room," notes Heidi H. about St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park, while another camper mentions "the bathrooms are clean along with the showers."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during Minnesota's winter months. "The season typically runs May 1 to October 1 for many campgrounds in the area," with only limited winter camping options available.
Site selection variance: Campground layouts vary significantly between properties. At Baker Campground, one camper observed, "Campsite C1 is nestled in a picturesque setting... with its lush greenery and vibrant blooms attracting local wildlife," while another notes "the sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can. There are 200 sites but on the July weekend we stayed, I'd say almost all of them were booked," advises Joe R.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. "I stayed here 3 weeks ago with my wife and 2 young children and it was fantastic great playground and heated pool the spaces were well kept and spaced apart 10-10 would most defiantly go again! A ton for the kids to do!" shares Beasty B. about Country Camping.
Consider noise levels: Campgrounds vary in their enforcement of quiet hours. "Twice I ran into the same group of people that thought it was ok to open up their vehicle doors and blast music well into the night. Owner warned them the first time but quiet time isn't until 11 pm," notes Barbara B.
Check swimming options: Several campgrounds offer both pool and natural water access. At Cokato Lake RV Resort, "Inground, heated swimming pool; mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office. Ice cream shop has 8 flavors of hand-dipped yum!" according to Rachel H.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Look for campgrounds with level sites to minimize setup time. At RiversEdge RV Park, "Large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond. Full hook-ups, with 30 or 50 amp service. Concrete Patios on every lot," reports Tori K.
Park access: Several rv parks near Coon Rapids accommodate larger rigs with pull-through sites. "The sites are all pull through and there is plenty of room between sites and ours was perfectly level," notes one camper about their experience.
Utility connections: Water availability varies seasonally at some campgrounds. "The water wasn't turned on yet, but we were able to fill our fresh water tank with a hose from their laundromat," shares Michelle A. about their early season visit to Dakotah Meadows.
